The "UN Convention on the Rights of the Child" describes all key conditions needed by children and young people to live and grow up in dignity. The Convention came into force in 1989 and has since been ratified by 191 countries. The Convention determines that everybody below the age of eighteen has the right to protection against sexual exploitation - whatever country they live in. All signatories to the convention must adopt measures aimed at preventing child prostitution and child pornography.

In many countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Island, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and Slovenia, the ex-territorial principle allows the prosecution of nationals who have committed offences in other countries.

You can find more information about the legislation relating to the abuse of children, child prostitution and child pornography by clicking here.

The legislation presented may not be in the official translation, and no guarantees can be provided for accuracy or completeness, in particular where interpretations and amendments affect the legislation. We are grateful to Interpol for providing data.

You can click here to find out more about the legal situation in individual travel destinations.